Page 48 of Thanking Her Brother's Best Friends

A sleek intercom panel was mounted on the wall nearby. I activated the system.

The screen prompted me to select a function, and I chose the "Guest Access" option to open a list of registered guests. I had fed their names into the system.

After the recent scares, I wasn't taking any chances. I scrolled through the list, my manicured finger gliding across the touch screen.

Each guest's name, accompanied by a photograph, appeared on the display. At that exact moment, the light next to Adam's name and photo went green, and I smiled.

I tapped on it, and a live video feed emerged, displaying a high-definition video of the penthouse's grand entrance gate. My smile grew as my eyes landed on the three men.

"Welcome to my humble abode," I said, my voice projected through the intercom speakers. I selected theOpen Gateoption, and the massive iron structure swung open, revealing the meticulously manicured grounds beyond.

"Come up the driveway. I'll wait for you at the entrance," I instructed.

"Aye-aye, ma'am," Aiden replied, not without a hint of his snarky confidence.

A low thrill coursed through me—and even as I stepped out, I couldn't help wondering where the night would take us.

Their car glided along the driveway, making its way to my home's entrance.

As it stopped, the system went quiet, allowing me to personally welcome them. Positioned strategically near the entrance, a pair of stone pillars stood tall.

I liked them because they made me think of stable, secure stuff. Stuff that was grounded.

As they stepped down, Aiden let out a low whistle, his eyes on the archway above the entrance to the tallest apartment building on the block.

My bodyguards stood near the doors. I'd asked them to not bother, but they still observed each of the boys, and well, if I were new here, I'd be terrified.

Each of them came with a heavy resume and a long list of achievements.

Aiden, Dom, and Niall exchanged amused glances.

They'd dressed well for the occasion—simple, crisp T-shirts and jeans, tousled hair, and loads of masculine energy.

"Selene, you've literally built a fortress," Dominic said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I feel like I'll have eyes on me all the time in here."

I was in the moment once again and playing a part. But this was a part I'd really enjoy.

The boys were here to show me they wanted me in their lives.

"Come on in," I said before turning around. "Your judge is hungry."

15

SELENE

My boy was in the nursery, finishing his homework. I spent some time showing Aiden, Dom, and Niall around the penthouse.

All of them really liked the balcony—which happened to be my favorite corner too.

The darkening sky was illuminated by stars, their earthly reflections manifesting in a thousand lights spread across the expanse of the city.

I had been ambitious as a child, and I had known that someday, I would own a big place with all the embellishments. But then...

"Unreal." Aiden leaned on the banister, his face turned upward. A gentle breeze fell upon his features and played with his hair. It tasted of salt and something sweeter, almost floral.

"Just asking—and mostly because I'd go crazy if it was me surrounded by so many eyes—but don't you ever feel like..." He waved his hands as he turned toward me, his back against the railing.

"Like I'm being suffocated?" I asked. It wasn't an unexpected question. The only person who thought I could do with more security was Reynolds. Even Ben had tried to suggest the measures I'd taken were too much.

---